About the Vaux's Swift
Vaux's swift is a small swift native to North America, Central America, and northern South America. It was named for the American scientist William Sansom Vaux.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This is a small swift, even compared to other Chaetura species, at 10.7 to 11.2 cm (4.2 to 4.4 in) long and weighing 18 g (0.63 oz). The northern populations are slightly larger at 11.5 cm (4.5 in), probably according to the Bergmann's Rule and/or migration requirements. It has a cigar-shaped body, crescentic wings and a short bluntly squared-off tail. The head, upperparts and wings are dusky black, and the underparts, rump and tail coverts are greyish brown. The throat is paler grey, becoming whitish in northern birds.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Vaux's Swift lives
When to see the Vaux's Swift
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Grey-rumped SwiftChaetura cinereiventrisThe grey-rumped swift is about 10.5 cm (4.1 in) long and weighs about 17 g (0.60 oz).
Sick's SwiftChaetura meridionalisThe upperparts dark smoky brown.
Short-tailed SwiftChaetura brachyuraThe short-tailed swift is about 10.5 cm long, and weighs 20 g.
Side by side: Chimney Swift vs Vaux's Swift
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